Rebuilding

[GAZ32]

So I've saved up some money so i can finally rebuild my engine and i would really like to know what are the best internals to use without being unreliable or way too expensive? Are stock parts ok ( looking for 400-500hp) or should i go with all the upgraded forged parts? Thanks

[evildky]

if you're doing a rebuiild and gunning for big power you might as well inest in some forged pistons, I knwo there si a lot of aftermarket off the shelf units available but rss or wiesco will make them to your specs for less than most off the shelf units I've seen

[Milo (San Antonio)]

Personally I would get forged pistons (go oversized and get some nice rods too if you can afford them on your budget), a good metal head gasket, get the cast flashing in the water passages removed. These are my personal choices as the most necessary for a good bump above the stock block.

Some other goodies if you can afford it that are my personal choices -> new lifters, a 3 angle valve job with a port and polish, upper/lower plenum port match, ARP hardware, Mike Smith manifolds, Z31 main bearings.

[GAZ32]

Thanks guys for your input... I bought the rebuild kit A from Concept Z...hopefully now i'll be on my way to some real power.

[lilskirk23]

how much did you pay for labor?

[GAZ32]

Well I just got her out of the shop earlier today and the total bill for the labor was just over 1300 bucks for everything in the kit installed, cast flashing in the water passages removed, 3 angle valve job, a port and polish, plenum port match. One biggie that helped me was I had to help the guy with a lot of the work...so if your looking for a fair representation he said it would probably cost around 2500 bucks.